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Qatar

Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East and is home to the multicultural city of Doha. However, the secular nature of the country hinders the spread of Christianity.

Qatar, a former pearl-fishing centre and once one of the poorest Gulf states, is now one of the richest countries in the region, thanks to the exploitation of large oil and gas fields since the 1940s. Dominated by the Al-Thani family for almost 150 years, the mainly barren country was a British protectorate until 1971, when it declared its independence after following suit with Bahrain and refusing to join the United Arab Emirates. In 1995 Crown Prince Hamad bin Khalifa deposed his father to become emir and since then he has introduced some liberal reforms.

POLITICS

Ruling monarch Sheikh Hamad - who became emir when he ousted his father - advocates greater political openness . Elections in 1999 for a 29-member municipal council were the first in which Qatari women were allowed to vote and stand for office.

ECONOMY

Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the region because of oil; the government has encouraged diversification. The population is small. Foreigners - including labourers attracted by a construction boom - outnumber natives. Oil money funds an all-embracing welfare state, with many services being free or heavily subsidised. Possessing more than 15% of the world's proven gas reserves, Qatar has ambitions to become a global energy giant.

INTERNATIONAL

Qatar owns the forthright satellite TV station al-Jazeera which has attracted a growing audience as well the displeasure of some neighbouring states. Press freedom has been extended and the Qatari satellite TV station Al Jazeera has become one of the most important broadcasters in the Arab world.

Pray for Qatar

Thank You, Father, for the beautiful country of Qatar, and its extremely hospitable people. Thank You that the country has experienced some liberal reforms and a growing economy in recent years. We pray that the new openness towards the Western world will also let Your word enter the country and the hearts of the Qataris, so that they might see You and Your glory.

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